Our program is built around one idea: economics is something you do, not just something you study.
Faculty combine academic training with consulting and applied research experience. Students work with real datasets, organizations, and business questions from their first semester through the capstone—not tidy case studies, but open problems from Omaha-area companies looking for a real solution.
The result is a program that combines a strong analytical foundation with repeated opportunities to practice using economics in settings where the question, data, and answer are not predetermined. Students learn how to define a problem as well as how to analyze it.
A core built for working analysts.
Every student takes quantitative methods, applied microeconomics, applied macroeconomics, econometrics, and applied research methods. The quantitative and econometrics courses provide the numerical toolkit, including modeling and machine learning. Applied micro- and macroeconomics provides the context needed to use those tools well. With this combined knowledge, you can out-earn those in less quantitative MS economics programs and those in non-economics data science degrees.
Core Courses (12-15 credit hours):
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ECON 8306* | Quantitative Applications in Economics and Business |
| ECON 8220 | Applied Macro Theory |
| ECON 8200 | Applied Micro Theory |
| ECON 8300 | Econometrics |
| ECON 8400 | Applied Research Methods in Economics and Business |
| *Not required for students demonstrating satisfactory math skills. Three additional hours of elective courses is required if this course is not taken. | |
Connect coursework across the program.
Connect coursework across the program. Applied projects are not confined to one class. Students may develop the economic framework for a question in one course, analyze the data in another, and refine the work for a poster session or conference presentation. This progression helps students build a portfolio of work they can discuss with employers.
A capstone with a real audience.
Applied Research Methods integrates experimental design, survey methodology, and other research tools rarely covered together in a single economics program. Students conclude the program with a public poster session open to faculty, industry partners, and the department’s advisory board.
Work on projects that matter.
Through our Experiential Learning through Partnerships Initiative, organizations bring students genuine problems to solve. Past projects have supported nonprofits, UNO Athletics, government agencies, and local firms. The projects vary, but they have one thing in common: the problem is real, and the partner intends to use the results.
Build your network.
The department’s Seminar Series and Econ Club’s Industry Speaker Series bring students, faculty, alumni, and community members together, with informal networking built in after each event. This is a great way to meet other students, faculty, and potential future employers.
Approved Electives and Concentrations (15-18 credit hours)
Concentrations Graduate Electives Dual-Level Electives
Electives will be selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Chair and Advisor.